President Barack Obama launched his re-election campaign with a video posted to his website on Monday morning and an email message to his supporters.

"We've always known that lasting change wouldn't come quickly or easily. It never does. But as my administration and folks across the country fight to protect the progress we've made — and make more — we also need to begin mobilizing for 2012, long before the time comes for me to begin campaigning in earnest," Obama told supporters in the email. "Even though I'm focused on the job you elected me to do, and the race may not reach full speed for a year or more, the work of laying the foundation for our campaign must start today."

Obama's campaign video, titled 'It Begins With Us,' features testimonials from voters across the country explaining their continued support of the Democrat. “I don’t agree with Obama on everything, but I respect him, and I trust him,” a supporter named Ed from North Carolina says in the video.

The President will also begin his fundraising efforts this month with appearances scheduled in Chicago, San Francisco and Los Angeles in the next few weeks. Obama raised $750 million for his 2008 campaign, and allies believe he could haul in a record-breaking $1 billion this time around.

So far, more than a dozen Republicans are considering vying for the nomination to challenge Obama.

"I got a question of you: How can America win the future when we're losing the present?" Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty and potential Republican challenger asked in a web video, criticizing Obama's re-election announcement. "In order for America to take a new direction, it's going to take a new president."

Conservative Fox News contributor Karl Rove adds, "We would hope the White House would give their communications efforts on Libya a fraction of the attention they have lavished on this week’s announcement that Mr. Obama is now an official candidate for president."

What do you think of President Obama's re-election campaign? How likely are you to vote for him in 2012? Leave your comments below.